TOP LOCAL MUSEUM
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St.
Open daily at 10 a.m. (noon Sunday)
PerotMuseum.org
For several years, the Borg Cube that became the Perot Museum of Nature and Science teased us with its strange architecture, including the swoop of the scenic escalator. It’s no wonder that when it finally opened — several months ahead of schedule — it became instantly popular. What no one could have predicted, however, was that it would so quickly charm us, from the enticing exhibits (dinosaurs to futuristic medical technology) to the hands-on interactives (ever wanna feel like you were in an earthquake? You can experience it here) to its presence already as a popular social destination (Wolfgang Puck catering and the on-site cafe provide great eats), it’s not only a great museum but a great place to experience what Dallas has to offer without feeling musty. Learning has rarely been so fun.
TOP NEIGHBORHOOD
Oak Cliff
Longtime residents of Oak Cliff can tell you about the “Oak Cliff Ohhh.” That was the noise that used to emerge from the lips of those who lived across the river whenever the subject of neighborhoods was broached. A quiet mixture of sound conveying everything from “Is it safe?” to “Where is that?” to “You poor dear,” it’s all but a memory now. Today, the “Oak Cliff Ohhh” is a bit more like the infamous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from When Harry Met Sally. Home to trendy restaurants, boutique shopping and rockin’ live music venues (many gay-owned, virtually all gay-friendly), Oak Cliff is hot. Some describe the vibe as Austin-like, with mustachioed hipsters riding bicycles and street fests celebrating lesser-known holidays like Bastille Day. Others liken The Cliff (as its known to locals, who fancy themselves Cliff Dwellers) to a modern-day Mayberry, a place where everyone knows their neighbors and it’s not uncommon to gather on the porch for an impromptu after-work salon. Either way, Oak Cliff is proving that a bit of eclectic can go a long way when building a desirable community.
— Jef Tingley
GAYEST APARTMENT COMPLEX
the ilume
4123 Cedar Springs Road
214-520-0588
ilume.com
Dallas’ central gayborhood has long been along Cedar Springs, but to addition of the ilume development a few years ago along the strip upped the ante for what it means to be a gay apartment complex. With posh digs, a gym, dog runs and a popular pool, it has the basics. But throw in the ilume Gallerie, Dish restaurant and other retail outlets, plus a management that embraces hosting events for the gay community, and you have not just a gay living place — you have a gay place to live.
TOP HIKING/BIKING TRAIL
Katy Trail
TOP LOCAL LGBT POLITICIAN
Sheriff Lupe Valdez
TOP LOCAL STRAIGHT ALLY
City Councilwoman Angela Hunt
HOTTEST LOCAL PRO ATHLETE
Jason Witten
DallasCowboys.com
TOP LOCAL LGBT
SPORTS ORGANIZATION
Dallas Diablos Rugby Football Club
DallasDiablos.org
TOP TWITTER FEED
#GetRichInDallas
TOP PARTY FOR A CAUSE
BearDance
BearDance.org
TOP LOCAL LGBT
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
Resource Center Dallas
2701 Reagan St.
214-528-0144
RCDallas.org
TOP SUNDAY FUNDAY
The Hidden Door
5025 Bowser Ave.
Open daily till 2 a.m.
214-526-0620
HiddenDoor-Dallas.com
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 22, 2013.